But four of them have now admitted lesser charges of threatening behaviour. Although Beaton has admitted assault and affray.

And that decision was blasted by Ivy Ward councillor Andrew Knowles who warned trouble-makers to steer clear of his patch.

"I would like to have seen them throw the book at them," he said.

"I suppose this does show people that if they want to come into Thornton Square to mess about they will be dealt with.

"We are not going to lie back and let it happen. The message is do not come here and cause trouble because it ain't going beat us."

At an earlier hearing before Macclesfield magistrates prosecutor, Beverley Dobson, told the court 'mayhem' broke out when two police officers were called to Thornton Square by staff at Threshers off-licence.

Youths had gathered outside the store and the situation became explosive as a policeman attempted to arrest one of them who then ran away. They turned on the officer who felt increasingly intimidated.

"The group began to surround the police officer, who began to feel very vulnerable," said Miss Dobson. "There were continuing threats from the group. They started pushing and pulling.

"Then Beaton head-butted the police officer and he and Beaton fell to the ground."

"The officer was punched in the right eye. He was surrounded again by them, they were shouting threats.

"He felt a pain to the right side of his head. He was holding his head trying to protect himself."

The court heard that the other officer, a WPC, used CS spray to disperse the group.

Miss Dobson said: "One of the shop assistants, who has seen the disturbances in this area build up over the last few months, described the scene as mayhem.

"A customer in the shop said the youths were totally out of control."

Later Coun Knowles said he was working with the police and the community to set up residents' groups and neighbourhood watch schemes to improve life for people in the area.

"We are also working with the Fermain Youth Club to find and organise things for young people to do," he said.